For several years I taught primarily fourth and fifth grade math. During this period, I was asked to integrate and assess several math supplementary programs in comparison and compatibility with the main program of study, Chicago EveryDay Math. This past year, grades 3-5 piloted a new main math program, Singapore Math .
Ongoing reflections related to the math resources utilized led to the decision to replace the current supplementary program, Accelerated Math, with an online math program. The purpose for this change was to provide students with a review and study resource accessible both in school and at home.
The administration received feedback in a parent survey of parental desire for an interactive math resource at home. I was asked to lead the colleagues on my team (grades 3-5) in identifying possible math programs that would meet the needs of the students as well as support current teachings in the classroom. We researched various programs available, including costs, teacher maintenance requirements, and program features. This decision was made over several months, including ongoing email discussions and team meetings.
Below is an email in response to one program that was added to the list of possible resources last minute:
REFLECTION
One mistake I have seen made in the past was rushing into the purchase of a new math program before investigating if the program truly met the needs of the students and supported learning. As I assisted with the research of online options for math review, I tried to encourage the importance of making a decision with the input of the teachers. At times, such decisions have been made too quickly in order to share with parents or to simply to say technology was being used. Throughout my graduate studies, I have learned the importance of aligning the technology in use with the content needs and my own pedagogical methods. I encouraged all the teachers to investigate the programs in consideration to make sure they felt the same way. In the end, a new program was agreed upon and I look forward to integrating this resource next year to further student success in mathematics.
Ongoing reflections related to the math resources utilized led to the decision to replace the current supplementary program, Accelerated Math, with an online math program. The purpose for this change was to provide students with a review and study resource accessible both in school and at home.
The administration received feedback in a parent survey of parental desire for an interactive math resource at home. I was asked to lead the colleagues on my team (grades 3-5) in identifying possible math programs that would meet the needs of the students as well as support current teachings in the classroom. We researched various programs available, including costs, teacher maintenance requirements, and program features. This decision was made over several months, including ongoing email discussions and team meetings.
Below is an email in response to one program that was added to the list of possible resources last minute:
REFLECTION
One mistake I have seen made in the past was rushing into the purchase of a new math program before investigating if the program truly met the needs of the students and supported learning. As I assisted with the research of online options for math review, I tried to encourage the importance of making a decision with the input of the teachers. At times, such decisions have been made too quickly in order to share with parents or to simply to say technology was being used. Throughout my graduate studies, I have learned the importance of aligning the technology in use with the content needs and my own pedagogical methods. I encouraged all the teachers to investigate the programs in consideration to make sure they felt the same way. In the end, a new program was agreed upon and I look forward to integrating this resource next year to further student success in mathematics.